Almost 5 years ago, Estelle & Magan met at a wedding — where M was the photographer and E was a bridesmaid for her best friend's big day. We talked about books for under five minutes, and a friendship was born.

Since then, we’ve shared our love of books, Zac Efron, and shopping on this blog, changed jobs, had babies, moved, visited DC and Disney World together, and constantly stayed connected -- despite the miles between us. RBR has been the our own version of a coffee date, our way to mark the time before we can hang out and gab in person again. Thanks for spending time with us. xoxo

Alexa S.-Rites of Passage was a surprise hit for me as well! I honestly didn’t expect to fall for it as hard as I did. I really loved Sam – she was so strong, and brave, and smart, and just a wonderful, kick-ass gal. Plus, all the subtle plot points and relationships you’ve mentioned? Definitely A+ in my book!

Wendy @ Book Scents-I’ve been hearing SO many amazing things about this one! It sounds really unique and I just love strong female MCs! I can’t wait to read but I’ve also heard about the abrupt ending from everyone as well. I have a feeling that will bug me, haha.

Asheley (@BookwormAsheley)-I’ve heard NOTHING but positive about this one. Glowing, raving positive! This is awesome because I’m not too sure I’d have picked it up if not for some of my reading friends gushing about it. Thanks, gal, for adding to that number!

September 10, 2014 - 10:58 am

Magan-Brianna! YAY! That makes me so, so incredibly happy! I really hope you love it. The rave reviews are so very deserved!

September 10, 2014 - 10:57 am

Magan-Kelley, I was so, so happily surprised by Rites of Passage. I was pretty blown away and texted Estelle nonstop. The rave reviews are definitely well-deserved and I don’t feel like anyone’s over-exaggerating about it. I definitely hope you decide to give it a try. The writing is too good to pass up.

September 10, 2014 - 10:24 am

Brianna-I’ve read a couple reviews of this one this week and it’s quickly working its way closer to the top of the list.

September 10, 2014 - 9:40 am

Kelley (@KelleyBBTS)-I’ve seen nothing but positive reviews for this, but for some reason I am still not absolutely sold on reading it. The summary just isn’t grabbing me. I’m glad you and many others have enjoyed it so much though! It always nice to hear others thoughts on a book.

Attention, friends, attention! Today is such an exciting day for Alexa, Rachel, and me. Rites of Passage is a review book we were all so, so lucky to receive review copies of. I DEVOURED IT. And recently, Rachel visited Austin, TX (where I live) and we could not stop talking about this book. We’re each spotlighting fun […]

Alexa S.-Not going to lie – I’m obsessed with EVERYTHING in this post. Obsessed to the point where I just want to own them all! I think I’m particularly in love with those aviators, and that dog tag inspired necklace – they’re two things I could definitely integrate well into my wardrobe.

September 21, 2014 - 9:22 pm

Kayla -I want to read this because it sounds very interesting and is a modern twist on one of my favorite fantasy tropes – first girl in a warrior school of some sort. Thanks for offering this giveaway!

September 20, 2014 - 10:08 pm

Jaime Lynn-It sounds amazing, and from what I have heard from people it is even better than it sounds. Besides, I haven’t read anything really like this before, and I am always up for new adventures! Thanks for the giveaway!

September 18, 2014 - 8:31 pm

Maneesha -I’ve been hearing nothing but great things about this book. So want to find out what all the hype is about!

September 10, 2014 - 11:28 am

Asheley (@BookwormAsheley)-I can’t get over how much everyone loves this book and it is one that I want to read because my friends have loved it. Complete word of mouth, which is kind of awesome. ALSO: I have undying love for Doc Martens, forever and ever. I will never reveal how many pairs I’ve had/currently have, and how much money I have given that company in my lifetime. No shame.

Lucy-I just started reading the e-arc of this book and have only heard great things Love your fashion feature – ! Dr. Martens are classics for sure- I don’t think they ever went out of style for teens. But yeah they probably destroyed my back too.

September 8, 2014 - 8:06 pm

Natalie -If you guys like it, then it’s safe to bet I probably will. I mean, we both share a deep love for Zac Efron, sooo…

September 8, 2014 - 5:55 pm

Brittnee-The book seems really good! And the outfit you came up with is adorable.

September 8, 2014 - 4:56 pm

Daphne-if you ladies love the book this much, it must be amazing. and the premise is really interesting.

September 8, 2014 - 3:36 pm

Mawa Mahima-Oh, this sounds like it’s going to be absolutely great! I like main characters like her…and the wardrobe is amazing! I especially like the shoes, and the dog tag necklace.

September 8, 2014 - 3:24 pm

Tammy -I want to read Rites Of Passage because of all the wonderful early reviews I’ve read for it.

September 8, 2014 - 12:44 pm

Guadalupe B. -I want to read ot because I’ve never read military books

September 8, 2014 - 10:07 am

Brianna-I haven’t read many military novels, but this one sounds like a fresh perspective. Plus, you had me at secret society.

One of my cousins and I are about eight months apart and when we were kids, I idolized him. I followed him everywhere. Well, he had a pair of Doc Martens and I was in absolute awe because I thought they were the coolest shoes on the planet.

Bookworm1858-I didn’t really like Quinn in this book but I loved her interactions with George and appreciated this book’s focus on the military in a category that doesn’t always have much to do with real-life (I loved how last year there was a string of books with military related plot lines and I only wish there were more.)

November 9, 2013 - 10:24 pm

Lauren @ Lose Time Reading-Lovely review, Magan 🙂 I adored this book as well… I think I cried every ten pages though; it really, really got to me. I wish it was talked about more because it’s really an outstanding book!

November 8, 2013 - 6:13 pm

Alexa Y.-It makes me really glad that you enjoyed this book too! It’s such a sad story, but it’s also a meaningful one.

Hello, friends! Happy Memorial Day from us here at Rather Be Reading! Many times I excitedly look forward to Memorial Day because my husband gets the day off from work and — YAY! — we get to spend the day together BBQing with friends, BUT forget to really take a moment to pause and reflect […]

Alexa Y.-I’ve read and loved both of the books in this post. You picked well for books that suit this holiday! Just reading your thoughts on them both made me want to read them again, particularly The Book Thief.

May 28, 2013 - 11:44 pm

Wendy-I’ve heard good things about the Book Thief but haven’t had a chance to read it yet! I’ll definitely look into it!

May 28, 2013 - 7:47 am

Lucy -I’ve read ‘Something Like Normal’, but never got round to reading ‘The Book Theif’. I loved Something Like Normal, thought it was such a powerful and evocative book and certainly had me gripped.

Will have a look for The Book Thief and check it out. 🙂

May 27, 2013 - 2:39 pm

Bookworm1858-I have actually read both of those books-that so rarely happens when people make recommendations. I am spending this Memorial Day with family and also making sure to squeeze in some reading!

May 27, 2013 - 12:01 pm

Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide-I still haven’t read Something Like Normal, but I really want to! I think I purchase the ebook a while back which explains why I haven’t gotten to it yet… I tend to neglect my ebooks 🙁